Changes In Breast Volume Research Articles

A Quantitative Evaluation of the Effects of Radiation Therapy on the Post-Surgical Breast.

Radiation (RT) effects on breast volume may impact breast-conserving therapy (BCT) outcomes, but quantitative information is lacking regarding the extent/timing of volume loss. This study aimed to quantify volume loss by assessing changes in irradiated breasts. Breast volume changes were calculated for 113 patients (115 breasts) following T1 tumor lumpectomies. From preoperative baseline to seven years post-radiation, volumes were calculated from mammograms using π/3* height*radius2. Paired t-tests assessed change over time, with subset analyses of tumor/breast volumes of ≤ 10% (n=67) and > 10% (n=48). Multivariable regression assessed volume change as a function of age, smoking history, diabetes, radiation dosage, fractions, technique, treatment length, boost dose, chemotherapy (hormonal or cytotoxic), baseline breast volume, and time since treatment. Patients lost 8.3% of breast volume during surgery. One year following BCT/RT, volume loss was 19.3%. By year five, total volume loss was 26.6%.Subset analyses demonstrated that in addition to lumpectomy defects, five-year volume loss was 21.7% for tumor/ breast volume > 10% and 29.5 % for tumor/ breast volume ≤ 10%. Volume loss between subgroups was not significantly different (p=0.37). Larger breast volume was a significant predictor of greater volume loss for all five years (p<0.001), followed by diabetes and smoking history. Patients with T1 tumors undergoing BCT/RT may lose approximately 20% of breast volume (beyond specimens) within a year, with continued loss for five years. Volume change did not differ significantly according to baseline breast volume, although larger breasts may experience comparatively larger volume changes.

Surgical treatment after augmentation mammoplasty with polyacrylamide hydrogel.

Polyacrylamide hydrogel mammoplasty is a simple and relatively affordable surgery. However, this procedure is associated with a significant frequency of late complications, prompting its suspension in 2006. Despite this, patients continue facing long-term consequences. These include hydrogel migration, changes in breast shape and volume, granulomas, fistulas, and abscess formation. The clinical case described here presents the surgical treatment after augmentation mammoplasty with polyacrylamide hydrogel performed 35 years ago.

A comparative study of 3D measuring methods for monitoring breast volume changes

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques are promising new tools for measuring breast volume, for example in gender-affirming therapy. Transgender individuals can be treated with gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). A robust method for monitoring breast volume changes is critical to be able to study the effects of feminizing GAHT. The primary aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of three 3D devices (Vectra XT, Artec LEO and iPhone XR) for measuring modest breast volume differences using a mannequin. The secondary aim of this study was to evaluate these methods in several performance domains. We used reference prostheses of increasing volumes and compared the volumes using GOM-inspect software. For Vectra XT 3D images, manufacturer-provided software was used to calculate volumes as well. The scanning methods were ranked based on their performance in a total of five categories: volume estimations, costs, user-friendliness, test subject-friendliness and technical aspects. The 3D models analyzed with GOM-inspect showed relative mean estimate differences from the actual volumes of 9.1% for the Vectra XT, 7.3% for the Artec LEO and 14% for the iPhone XR. For the Vectra XT models analyzed with the built-in software this was 6.2%. Root mean squared errors (RMSE) calculated based on the GOM-inspect volume analyses showed mean RMSEs of 2.27, 2.54 and 8.93 for the Vectra XT, Artec LEO and iPhone XR, respectively. The Vectra software had a mean RMSE of 3.00. In the combined performance ranking, the Vectra XT had the most favorable ranking, followed by the Artec LEO and the iPhone XR. The Vectra XT and Artec LEO are the preferred scanners to monitor breast development due to the combination of higher accuracy and overall performance. The current study shows that 3D techniques can be used to adequately measure modest breast volume differences and therefore will be useful to study for example breast changes in transgender individuals using feminizing GAHT. These observations may also be relevant in other fields of 3D imaging research.

3D Analysis of Breast Morphological Changes after Vertical-Scar Reduction Mammoplasty: A Prospective Study.

In addition to symptom relief, the crucial objective of reduction mammoplasty is to achieve a stable and esthetically pleasing postoperative breast shape. However, the morphological changes in breasts following reduction mammoplasty have not been comprehensively understood. In this study, we applied three-dimensional (3D) scanning technology for long-term follow-up monitoring of breast morphological changes to discern their changing trends. Our goal was to provide a reliable basis for assessing postoperative effects and determining follow-up time points. This prospective study included patients undergoing vertical-scar reduction mammoplasty. We utilized a combination of linear measurements and 3D scanning to measure various parameters, including breast volume, breast volume distribution, nipple position, and scar length at various time points: pre-surgery, immediately post-surgery, 3-month postoperative, 6-month postoperative, and 1-year postoperative. A total of 115 patients were enrolled in this study. Throughout the initial 3 months of postoperative follow-up, there was a gradual reduction in breast volume, which tended to stabilize from 3 to 12months. The nipple position showed a gradual shift both laterally, inferiorly, and posteriorly. The volume of the lower and lateral part of the breast increased gradually. Notably, at 1year after surgery, the scar length was approximately 6.3% shorter compared to the immediate postoperative measurement. Our 3D analysis unveiled comprehensive changes in breast morphology: The overall breast volume shifted laterally and inferiorly, the nipple position moved laterally, inferiorly, and posteriorly, and there was a significant reduction in scar length. Concurrently, breast volume exhibited a gradual decrease and stabilization after 3months, establishing it as a suitable follow-up point for assessing postoperative results. Additionally, surgical plans can be formulated based on the overall trend of changes in breast volume and distribution, combined with methods such as three-dimensional scanning, to enhance surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Addition of progesterone to feminizing gender-affirming hormone therapy in transgender individuals for breast development: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundFeminizing gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) for transgender individuals traditionally includes estradiol and androgen deprivation. Research has demonstrated that breast size as a result of GAHT in transgender women is often limited. Therefore, transgender women often choose to undergo breast augmentation surgery. Progesterone is important for breast development in cisgender women during puberty. A potential role for progesterone in breast development in transgender women has not been investigated in a randomized controlled experimental set-up. The primary objective of this study is to explore the effects on breast volume of addition of oral progesterone to GAHT with estradiol in transgender women after vaginoplasty or orchiectomy. Secondary objectives include assessment of safety, satisfaction, mood, sleep and sexual pleasure.MethodsThis is a non-blinded, non-placebo, randomized controlled trial using a factorial design in adult transgender individuals assigned male sex at birth who have undergone GAHT for at least one year and underwent vaginoplasty or orchiectomy. The study design allows for rapid assessment of potential synergistic effects of various dose combinations of estradiol and progesterone on breast volume change: Ninety participants will be randomized into six groups of 15 subjects each, receiving either the baseline dose of estradiol, the baseline dose of estradiol and progesterone 200 mg daily, the baseline dose of estradiol and progesterone 400 mg daily, twice the baseline dose of estradiol, twice the baseline dose of estradiol and progesterone 200 mg daily or twice the baseline dose of estradiol and progesterone 400 mg daily, all for a duration of 12 months. The main study parameters include changes in breast volume as determined by 3D measurements. Participants will be followed-up with laboratory testing including serum progesterone concentrations as well as surveys for satisfaction, mood, sleep quality and sexual pleasure.DiscussionThis study will indicate whether progesterone is safe and of additional value with regard to breast volume change in transgender individuals receiving feminizing GAHT. The results of this study will be useful for innovation of feminizing GAHT.Trial registrationWHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform: EUCTR2020-001952-16-NL; date of registration: 12 December 2020 https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=EUCTR2020-001952-16-NL.

Quantitative assessment of breast volume changes after whole-breast irradiation for breast cancer using breast auto-segmentation.

This study aimed to quantitatively estimate the changes in breast volume associated with radiotherapy in patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery and whole-breast irradiation (WBI). Pre-WBI simulation computed tomography (CT) scans and post-WBI follow-up chest CT scans from a total of 1,151 breast cancer patients were analyzed using a deep-learning-driven auto-segmentation approach. The CT-based asymmetry index (CTAI) was calculated by dividing the volume of the irradiated breast by the volume of the contralateral breast. Significant breast shrinkage was defined as a CTAI < 0.85. To quantify changes in CTAI over the follow-up period, the CTAI ratio was determined as the post-WBI CTAI divided by the pre-WBI CTAI. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify potential variables associated with post-WBI significant breast shrinkage. The median CTAI values for pre- and post-WBI CT scans were 0.973 (interquartile range: 0.887-1.069) and 0.866 (interquartile range: 0.773-0.967), respectively. The difference between them was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Following WBI, there was an increase in the rate of significant breast shrinkage from 16.3 to 44.8%. The CTAI ratio showed a negative association with the time interval (p < 0.001, Pearson r = -0.310). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, lower pre-WBI CTAI, younger age, and longer interval between CT scans were found to be significantly associated with a higher occurrence of post-WBI significant breast shrinkage. Breast volume decreases following WBI, and this decrease is correlated with an increased duration after WBI. These findings highlight the long-term consequences of WBI on breast asymmetry.

Brassiere Cup Size Agreement between Patients and Plastic Surgeons: Do Surgeons and Patients Speak the Same Size Language?

Three-dimensional (3D) scans of 32 subjects were evaluated by 10 plastic surgeons estimating cup size using the American brassiere system. The surgeons were blinded to all parameters, including the 3D surface software-derived volume measures of the Vectra scan. The 3D scans of the anterior torsos were viewed. The plastic surgeons' estimations were compared with the cup sizes stated by the subjects (disclosed cup size), using simple and weighted Kappa statistics. Agreement between the estimated and disclosed brassiere sizes was only slight (0.1479 ± 0.0605) using a simple Kappa analysis. Even when a Fleiss-Cohen-weighted comparison was used, only moderate agreement (0.6231 ± 0.0589) was found. The interrater agreement intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.705. Rater accuracy varied. The percentage of time spent in cosmetic practice and gender were not significantly correlated with accuracy. Agreement between cup size disclosed by subjects and estimates by plastic surgeons was low. A miscommunication between the surgeon and patient may occur when using brassiere sizes to communicate wishes and estimates in procedures that involve changes in breast volume.

Progestin-related breast volume changes in a woman with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS).

A 31-year-old woman with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) experienced breast volume fluctuations during biphasic hormone replacement therapy consisting of estradiol and cyclical dydrogesterone, a progestin. 3D breast volume measurements showed a 100 cc volume (17%) difference between estradiol monotherapy and combined estradiol and dydrogesterone treatment. Progestogen-dependent breast volume changes have not been reported in the literature. Our findings suggest a correlation between progestogen use and breast volume. Due to the rapid cyclical changes, we hypothesize that the effect is caused by fluid retention. There is limited reports available on the effects of progesterone on breast development and volume. 3D imaging provides an easy-to-use method to quantify breast volume. The patient in our case description clearly showed that cyclic progesterone use might induce substantial cyclic changes in breast volume. In women with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), monotherapy with estrogen or continuous supplementation of progesterone might be preferable over cyclic progesterone use.

Three-dimensional Evaluation of Results After Dual-Plane Breast Augmentation with and Without Internal Suture Mastopexy.

In patients with breast atrophy and ptosis, it is necessary to correct both problems simultaneously. This study aimed to analyze breast morphological changes with a three-dimensional (3D) scanning technique to demonstrate the improvement effect of dual-plane breast augmentation combined with internal suture mastopexy. 3D breast surface scans were performed preoperatively and postoperatively in 24 patients (n = 35 breasts) undergoing internal suture mastopexy combined with prosthetic augmentation through the periareolar approach and 24 patients (48 breasts) undergoing simple dual-plane breast augmentation. Changes in linear distance, breast volume and volume distribution, breast projection, and nipple position were analyzed to assess the breast morphology. Compared with simple breast augmentation, augmentation combined with internal suture mastopexy was associated with a higher upper pole volume increase and greater medial and upward nipple displacement. After the surgery, the upper polevolume increased by an average of 10.6% in combined augmentation group and decreased by an average of 2.2% in the simple breast augmentation group. The measured breast projections were 24.8 ± 2.2% lower than expected in the combined group and 23.1 ± 4.1% lower than expected in the simple group, based on implant parameters recorded by the manufacturer. The nipple moved 0.2 ± 0.5cm laterally, 1.6 ± 0.6cm upward, and 2.8 ± 0.7cm anteriorly in the combined group and 0.9 ± 0.5cm laterally, 0.7 ± 0.6cm upward, and 3.0 ± 0.6cm anteriorly in the simple group. Dual-plane breast augmentation in addition to internal suture mastopexy appears to reposition breast tissue from the lower pole to fill in the deficient upper breast, pull the nipple medially and superiorly, and ultimately correct mild to moderate breast ptosis. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Reliability and Measurement Error of Breast Volume Calculation Using Three-Dimensional Surface Imaging.

Background: Breast lymphedema after breast cancer is challenging to quantify. Three-dimensional (3D) surface imaging is one available technique to measure breast volume, however, the measurement properties of available software programs have not been fully determined. The aim of this study was to determine equivalency of measurements with two software programs as well as reliability, standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable change (SDC). Methods and Results: Retrospective three-dimensional surface imaging (3D-SI) of 100 breasts taken before or after breast conserving surgery for breast cancer were retrieved for reliability analysis. Three assessors followed a standardized measurement technique using two software programs, Vectra® 3D Analysis Module (VAM) and Breast Sculptor®. Mean breast volume was 489.9 ± 206 cc using VAM and 480.1 ± 229.1 cc using Breast Sculptor. Lin's concordance showed poor agreement between programs (0.81-0.88). Measurements using VAM had excellent intra- and inter-rater reliability with SEM = 4.1% for one assessor and 8.7% for multiple assessors. Breast Sculptor also had excellent intra-rater and substantial inter-rater reliability but the SEM was much larger at 14.5% (intra-rater) and 19.1% (inter-rater). The SDC value was lowest for VAM and a single rater with 56 cc indicating a meaningful change beyond measurement error. Conclusion: Breast volume measurements captured with 3D-SI using VECTRA-XT are highly reliable, but the volumes, SEM, and SDC varied between the two software programs. Measurement error was lowest with VAM software. Although the usefulness of VECTRA-XT and VAM software to detect change in breast volume is promising, further solutions to reduce measurement error are required to improve clinical utility to measure breast lymphedema.

Geographic Examination of COVID-19 Test Percent Positivity and Proportional Change in Cancer Screening Volume, National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

IntroductionIn 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to significant declines in cancer screening, including among women served by the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). This study examined the spatial association between state-based COVID-19 test percent positivity and proportional change in NBCCEDP screening volume.MethodsUsing the COVID-19 Diagnostic Laboratory Testing dataset, we calculated state-based monthly COVID-19 test percent positivity from July through December 2020 and categorized rates into low, medium, and high groups. We used data from 48 NBCCEDP state awardees to calculate the state-based monthly proportional change in screening volume and compared data for July–December 2020 with the previous 5-year average for those months. We categorized changes in screening volume into large decrease, medium decrease, and minimal change and created maps of the associations between variable subgroups by using bivariate mapping in QGIS.ResultsBivariate relationships between COVID-19 test percent positivity and proportional change in cancer screening volume varied over time and geography. In 5 of 6 months, 4 states had high COVID-19 test percent positivity and minimal change in breast or cervical cancer screening volume; 2 states had high COVID-19 test percent positivity and minimal change in breast and cervical cancer screening volume.ConclusionSome states maintained pre–COVID-19 screening volumes despite high COVID-19 test percent positivity. Follow-up research will be conducted to determine how these states differ from those with consistent decreases in screening volume and identify factors that may have contributed to differences. This information could be useful for planning to maximize NBCCEDP awardees’ ability to maintain screening volume during future public health emergencies.

Nonsubjective Assessment of Shape, Volume and Symmetry during Breast Augmentation with Handheld 3D Device.

Three-dimensional Surface Imaging (3DSI) has become a valuable tool for planning and documenting surgical procedures. Although surface scanners have allowed for a better understanding of breast shape, size, and asymmetry during patient consultation, its use has not been included in intraoperative assessment so far. Validation of the reliability of the intraoperative use of a portable handheld 3DSI equipment as a tool to evaluate morphological changes during breast augmentation surgery. The patients who underwent bilateral subpectoral breast augmentation through an inframammary incision were included in this study. Intraoperative 3DSI was performed with the Artec Eva device, allowing for visualization of the surgical area before incision, after use of breast sizers and implant, and after wound closure. Intraoperatively manual measurements of breast distances and volume changes due to known sizer and implant volumes were in comparison with digital measurements calculated from 3DSI of the surgical area. Bilateral breasts of 40 patients were 3D photographed before incision and after suture successfully. A further 108 implant sizer uses were digitally documented. There was no significant difference between manual tape measurement and digital breast distance measurement. Pre- to postoperative 3D volume change showed no significant difference to the known sizer and implant volume.

Objective evaluation of volumetric changes during breast augmentation using intraoperative three-dimensional surface imaging

Breast volume estimation and implant size are crucial factors to achieve a symmetrical result in esthetic and reconstructive breast surgery. Although three-dimensional surface imaging (3DSI) has allowed for a better understanding of breast shape, size, and asymmetry during patient consultation, its use has been limited regarding intraoperative decision-making. To validate the intraoperative use of a portable hand-held 3D surface imaging device as an objective tool to assess volumetric changes during breast augmentation surgery. Patients receiving bilateral, submuscular breast augmentation were enrolled for this study. Intraoperative 3DSI was conducted using the Sense 3D scanner, allowing for digitalization of the operating field. Intraoperatively gauged volume changes caused by known implant volumes were compared with digital measurements calculated from 3D surface images of the operating field. Digital intraoperative breast volumes were compared to the pre- and postoperative Vectra XT reference system. Eighty individual breasts of 40 patients were successfully 3D imaged before incision and after wound closure. There was no significant difference between digital breast volumes by intraoperative and outpatient 3DSI. Intraoperative pre- to postoperative 3D breast volume change showed no significant difference to the known implant volume (p=0.124, mean deviation of 5.8±24.3mL and 2.0±9.0%). Our findings showed a high correlation regarding intraoperative digital breast volumetric changes. Intraoperative use of 3DSI yielded objective data during breast augmentation. This novel technique could beneficially impact future breast implant selection, especially in cases with breast asymmetry and the need for differently sized implants.

Variability of response to early puberty induction demonstrated by transverse uterine diameter measurement and a novel method of 3D breast imaging.

Induction of puberty with exogenous oestrogen results in considerable variability in final uterine and breast volumes. We set out to quantify the variability of these two outcome measures with a view to establishing monitoring methods that could be used to individualise treatment protocols. A prospective observational study. Sixteen participants with pubertal delay and primary amenorrhoea, due to hypogonadism were recruited from paediatric gynaecology and endocrinology clinics at University College London Hospital. A standardised protocol of transdermal 17β oestradiol (17βE) was used (Evorel™), with a starting dose of 12.5 mcg increasing to 25 mcg (patch changed twice weekly) after 4 months. Follow up was every 2 months for a total of 8 months. Uterine dimensions using ultrasound, oestradiol concentrations and breast development assessed by both Tanner staging and 3D photographic imaging. After 8 months of treatment, the changes in oestradiol concentrations (0-174 pmol), uterine volume growth (4.4-16.4 ml) and breast volume (1.76-140.1 ml) varied greatly between individuals. Of uterine parameters, transverse uterine diameter was most closely associated with serum oestradiol levels at 8 months (beta standardised coefficient = 0.80, p = .001). Change in breast volume was associated with age of treatment initiation (beta standardised coefficient 0.55 p = .04). We demonstrate variation in response to exogenous oestrogen, emphasising the necessity for individualised dose titration. In the absence of sensitive oestradiol assays, uterine transverse measurements may be used as a surrogate marker of oestrogen sensitivity to guide early dose adjustment. 3D breast imaging may provide a quantitative assessment of breast development to complement Tanner breast staging.

Abstract P3-18-15: Reliability and measurement error of breast volume calculation using 3D surface imagery

Abstract Introduction Breast volume measurement is important for oncoplastic surgery planning and measuring outcomes and side effects of both surgery and radiotherapy, including breast lymphedema. However, accurate breast volume quantification is difficult due to the shape of the breast and isolation of the breast border. Numerous techniques to quantify breast volume exist, but none have been established as a gold standard outcome measure. Three-dimensional (3D) surface imagery using VECTRA-XT can measure breast volume quickly and non-invasively. However, as measurement properties associated with quantification of breast volume using VECTRA-XT have yet to be fully determined, including extent of reliability, standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable change (SDC), the aim of this study is to determine these properties.Method A reliability study using retrospective VECTRA®-XT 3D surface images taken during clinical practice was conducted. Images from 51 women (101 breasts) before or after breast conserving surgery for breast cancer were retrieved for analysis. The breast images were taken pre-operatively in 70% of cases and following wide local excision in the remaining 30% of cases. Radiotherapy had also been performed in 20% of cases. Women were excluded if they had breast implants or mastectomy, had a breast ptosis grade of 3 (nipple was below the inferior mammary fold and close or below the lowest breast contour) or if the inferior mammary fold could not be visualised from any view of the 3D image. Three assessors trained using a standardised technique to use two software analysis programs, Vectra® 3D Analysis Module (VAM) and Breast Sculptor® software, completed the measurements. One assessor completed breast volume calculations twice (intra-rater reliability) and the remaining two assessors completed calculations once (inter-rater reliability). Results Mean breast volume for the population was 493.7cc (95%CI=469.4-517.9, range=135-1161cc) when measured by VAM and 488.7cc (95%CI= 461.2-516.2, range=104-1596cc) when measured by Breast Sculptor®. The difference in breast volume assessed using paired t-test was not statistically significant (p=0.491). Measurement of breast volume using VAM had excellent intra and inter-rater reliability with a SEM of less than 5.0% for a single rater and less than 9.0% for multiple raters. In comparison, Breast Sculptor® had excellent intra-rater reliability and substantial inter-rater reliability but the SEM was 14.3% and 20.5% for intra and inter-raters respectively (Table 1). A single rater using VAM software had the lowest SDC value indicating a change in breast volume exceeding 58.6cc would be a meaningful change in breast volume beyond measurement error. Conclusion The reliability for the assessment of breast volume using VECTRA-XT 3D surface imagery was high when a standardised approach was used. However, the SDC, i.e. the amount of change beyond error of measurement, varied depending on which program was used and whether one or more than one rater assessed the volume. A single assessor using VAM software should be considered as the ideal in. evaluation of changes in breast volume secondary to edema, as the SDC is likely too large to detect changes using the other approaches. The project was funded by a Betty Schofield and Joyce Anderson Bequest Grant. Table 1.Reliability, standard error of measurement and smallest detectable changeICC (95% CI)Standard error of measurement (cc)Standard error of measurement %Smallest detectable change (cc)VAM Inter-rater reliability0.961 (0.943-0.973)42.78.7118.4VAM Intra-rater reliability0.990 (0.986-0.993)21.14.258.6Breast Sculptor® Inter-rater reliability0.837 (0.785-0.880)100.220.5277.7Breast Sculptor® Intra-rater reliability0.915 (0.876-0.942)74.014.3205.2 Citation Format: Nicola Rachel Fearn, Farid Meybodi, Sharon Kilbreath, Elizabeth Dylke, Catalina Llanos, Kirsty Stuart. Reliability and measurement error of breast volume calculation using 3D surface imagery [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-18-15.

Late migration of silicon as a complication to breast transplant rupture: Case report and literature review.

Silicone implants have been used for breast augmentations, both cosmetically and in reconstructive surgery since the 1960s. Rupture of breast implants and silicone migration is a well-known complication. In this case report and literature review, we present a case of a 53-year-old woman with bilateral cosmetic silicone gel breast implant in 1986, and a replacement with saline gel in 2005. The patient had no breast complaints and observed no change in breast volume during this period. In 2020, silicone was randomly identified in a right-sided cervical lymph node in an attempt to remove suspicious lymphadenopathy. The source of the silicone is still doubted; that is, it is not known if the silicone originated from the saline implant or the silicone gel implant.In our literature review, we find that distant migration of silicone and lymphadenopathy have occurred for silicone breast implants although very rare for saline gel breast implants.

Volumetric Changes in Lumpectomy Cavity During Whole Breast Irradiation after Breast Conserving Surgery

Introduction: Irradiation to the conserved breast consists of whole breast radiotherapy (WBRT) followed by tumour bed boost. Seroma in the tumor bed is a commonly observed side effects after breast-preservation, which can alter the shape of breast during WBRT and also lead to tumour bed shrinkage during boost irradiation, causing larger volumes of normal tissue irradiated. The aim was to evaluate the change in the lumpectomy cavity volumes before and after WBRT. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three patients with demonstrable lumpectomy cavity after breast conservation surgery (BCS) were included in the study. CT simulation of the breast was performed twice, initially before the start of WBRT and then 2 days prior to completion of WBRT. WBRT was delivered after contouring breast and lumpectomy volumes guided by the presence of surgical clips, seroma, and other surgical changes. Change in volume of lumpectomy cavity was analysed by Students’ paired T-test. Results: The volume reduction in the lumpectomy cavity was noted in 97% of patients (32/33). The change in lumpectomy cavity volume decreased by a mean value of 34.59% (range 0 - 72%) (p &lt; 0.0001). The mean change in breast volume was 8.44% (range, -2.44 to 10.12%) (p - 0.394). Age, weight, location of tumour, T stage, breast volume, lumpectomy cavity volume, presence of clips and pre-radiation chemotherapy were not significantly associated with volume reduction of the lumpectomy cavity. Conclusion: The results of this study have shown that a significant volume reduction of the lumpectomy cavity after WBRT.

The Effect of Arm Position on Breast Volume Measurement Using Three-dimensional Imaging.

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging offers an objective and quantitative way to evaluate the breast volume. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether arm position can be a factor influencing the measurement of breast volume and which arm position is more stable when using 3D breast imaging in evaluating the fat volume retention rate in autologous fat grafting for breast augmentation. Patients undergoing breast augmentation with autologous fat grafting in our department were selected for the first part of this study. Preoperative 3D breast imaging was performed at three different arm positions: at the sides, akimbo and with hands on the head. Scans on each arm position were repeated on the first day after surgery, taking six scans in total. Breast volume change (BVC) was compared before and after surgery. The patients planning to receive bilateral mammaplasty in our department were selected for the second part of this study. Two repeated 3D scans were performed at the sides, akimbo and hands on the head, and then, the breast volume change error (BVCE) was compared. Twenty-five patients (n = 50 breasts) were included in the first part of study. For the patients who received 100-200ml fat injection, compared with hands on the head, a statistically significant difference in the average BVC was found at the sides and akimbo (p = 0.02). For the patients receiving more than 200ml fat injection, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Twenty-six patients (n = 52 breasts) were enrolled in the second part. For the average BVCE, there was no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.11). The arm position during 3D breast imaging, to some extent, affects the evaluation of BVC after breast augmentation using autologous fat grafting, particularly for patients receiving less fat grafting. The arm position should be kept consistent when using 3D breast imaging in evaluating the fat volume retention rate. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Comparison of breast volume change between oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery with radiation therapy and a simultaneous contralateral balancing procedure through the inverted-T scar technique.

BackgroundReduction mammoplasty or mastopexy is performed as an additional balancing procedure in patients with large or ptotic breasts who undergo breast-conserving surgery (BCS). Radiation therapy on breasts that have undergone surgery may result in changes in the volume. This study presents a comparative analysis of patients who received post-BCS balancing procedures to determine whether volume changes were larger in breasts that received radiation therapy than on the contralateral side.MethodsThirty-six participants were selected among patients who received BCS using the inverted-T scar technique between September 2012 and July 2017, were followed up for 2 or more years, and had pre-radiation therapy computed tomography images and post-radiation therapy images taken between 12 and 18 months after completion. The average age of the participants was 53.5 years, their average body mass index was 26.62 kg/m2.ResultsThe pre- and post-radiation therapy volumes of the breasts receiving BCS were 666.08±147.48 mL and 649.33±130.35 mL, respectively. In the contralateral breasts, the volume before radiation therapy was 637.69±145.72 mL, which decreased to 628.14±166.41 mL after therapy. The volume ratio of the affected to the contralateral breasts was 1.05±0.10 before radiation therapy and 1.06±0.12 after radiation therapy.ConclusionsThe ratio of the volume between the two breasts immediately after surgery and at roughly 18 months postoperatively was not significantly different (P=0.98). For these reasons, we recommend a simultaneous single-stage balancing procedure as a reasonable option for patients who require radiation therapy after BCS without concerns regarding volume change.

New Validated Method for Measuring Fat Graft Retention in the Breast with MRI.

Summary:In this study, we present a new method for measuring fat graft volume retention in the breast based on magnetic resonance imaging scans and a validation study to assess its accuracy and precision. The method was validated by 4 observers using the magnetic resonance imaging scans of 14 patients undergoing breast augmentation with fat grafting. The method was translated into software and was used to measure the change in breast volume from a preoperative scan to a postoperative scan recorded within 3 hours after the surgery, which was compared with the injected fat graft volume. The new method measured the injected fat graft volumes with an average systematic overestimation of 6.3% (SD, 10.5). The median interobserver variation was <7%. We propose that this new method can be a good alternative to previous techniques for clinical research purposes. The software can be made available upon request free of charge for use on the MeVisLab platform.